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Justin Gaethje outlasts Rafael Fiziev in brutal three-round war

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Justin Gaethje defeats Rafael Fiziev
Justin Gaethje defeats Rafael Fiziev in a brutal three-round match.

Justin Gaethje returned to the octagon with something to prove at UFC 313, securing a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev in a thrilling three-round war.

Known for his relentless pressure and devastating power, Gaethje found himself in a firefight early as Fiziev came out aggressively, landing sharp kicks and securing two early takedowns.

But as the fight progressed, Gaethje’s experience and striking power took over, swinging the momentum in his favour at $2.35 outsider with the top MMA bookmakers.

The second round saw Gaethje land his biggest shots of the fight, including a massive uppercut that sent Fiziev to the canvas.

Somehow, the Azerbaijani fighter recovered and remained in the fight, showcasing his durability.

But Gaethje was relentless, walking Fiziev down and mixing up his attacks with punishing body shots and crisp combinations.

By the time the third round began, it was clear Fiziev was slowing down while Gaethje continued to pour on the pressure.

The final minutes of the fight were all Gaethje, as he controlled the exchanges and left no doubt in the judges’ minds.

After the decision was announced, Gaethje was full of praise for his opponent, calling Fiziev “a bad motherf***r” for taking the fight on short notice.

“He deserves so much credit,” Gaethje said.

“I don’t give a st how far down you are, it’s on you to get back on the fing horse.”

The victory marks an important rebound for Gaethje, who suffered a loss to Max Holloway in April 2024.

With another signature win under his belt, he is once again knocking on the door of title contention.

Dana White confirmed that Gaethje remains in the lightweight title conversation, saying, “He’s still the number three ranked guy in the world, so the odds of him getting the title shot are pretty good.”

With Islam Makhachev still reigning at the top of the division, the possibility of a Gaethje title shot looms large.

For now, UFC fans can celebrate yet another classic Gaethje performance—one filled with blood, grit, and undeniable heart.

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Topics: Justin Gaethje, MMA, Rafael Fiziev, UFC

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